Which statement accurately describes a dependent variable?

Which statement accurately describes a dependent variable?

• A. It does not change in response to the independent variable
• B. It is manipulated during the experiment
• C. It changes because of the independent variable
• D. It is kept constant throughout the experiment

Answer: (C)

A dependent variable is one that is measured in an experiment to assess the effects of the independent variable. The key characteristic of a dependent variable is that it changes in response to alterations made to the independent variable. For example, if a scientist is investigating how different amounts of sunlight affect plant growth, the height of the plants (the dependent variable) will change based on the amount of sunlight provided (the independent variable). This relationship is fundamental in experimental design, as it allows researchers to establish cause-and-effect links between the variables under investigation.

A dependent variable is one that is measured in an experiment to assess the effects of the independent variable. The key characteristic of a dependent variable is that it changes in response to alterations made to the independent variable. For example, if a scientist is investigating how different amounts of sunlight affect plant growth, the height of the plants (the dependent variable) will change based on the amount of sunlight provided (the independent variable). This relationship is fundamental in experimental design, as it allows researchers to establish cause-and-effect links between the variables under investigation.